Juneteenth Celebrations in Metro Atlanta

ATLANTA – Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Liberation Day, is a holiday celebrated on Juneteenth to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The name “Juneteenth” is a mixture of “June” and “nineteenth”, the date of the celebration.

This holiday marks the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Proclamation of emancipation on January 1, 1863. Despite the proclamation, many slaves in Texas were unaware of their freedom due to slow dissemination of information and resistance from some slave owners.

Juneteenth has been celebrated annually since 1866, initially with church-centered community gatherings in Texas. Over the years it has evolved to include parades, festivals, educational events and family reunions. In recent times, it has gained greater recognition and is celebrated throughout the United States as a day of reflection on the freedom and achievements of African Americans, as well as a time to promote cultural pride and understanding .

In 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday in the United States, reinforcing its importance in American history and culture.

Atlanta Juneteenth Parade and Music Festival

• What: The annual Juneteenth Parade & Music Festival will take place June 21-23. Related events include the 5K Freedom Run and the Royal Juneteenth Pageants.
• When: The parade will begin at noon on June 22.
• Where: The festival takes place at Piedmont Park. The parade will begin near the King Center on Auburn Avenue NE, turning left onto Boulevard NE. It will travel north on Boulevard NE to Monroe Drive to 10th Street NE. It will end at the Park.
• Ticket price: free
• More information

Atlanta History Center Juneteenth Celebration

• What: Celebrate Juneteenth with cooking demonstrations, exhibits and more, focusing on the contributions of Black culinary traditions.
• When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 15
• Or: Atlanta History Center, Atlanta
• The price of the ticket: Included with museum admission
• More information

Clayton County Juneteenth Community Block Party

• What: There will be health screenings, CPR training, resources and information, food trucks, live music, prizes and giveaways, contests and games, COVID vaccinations and much more.
• When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 22
• Or: Gerald Matthews Complex, McDonough Road, Hampton
• More information

Stone Mountain Seventeenth Anniversary Celebration

• What: There will be African American food, music, cultural performances, unique crafts and artwork, local vendors and much more. Mayor Beverly Jones and other city and business leaders will be in attendance.
• When: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 15
• Or: Baptist Lawn, Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain
• More information

Tenth June AI Summit

• What: Free, one-day AI summit hosted by CNN host and Dream Machine founder Van Jones for black and brown students, young and established professionals, small business owners and others. There will be workshops followed by a June 17 block party with food and drinks.
• When: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 15
• Or: Loudermilk Conference Center, 40 Courtland St. NE, Atlanta
• The price of the ticket: Free but you have to register.
• More information

Children’s Museum of Atlanta Juneteenth Celebration

• What: Attendees will enjoy interactive stories from master storyteller Mama Koku, followed by an exciting performance on June 19! Children will discover the history of this day while participating in fun educational activities.
• When: June 18
• Or: Children’s Museum of Atlanta, 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW, Atlanta
• The price of the ticket: Included with entry
• More information

The Food Studio Juneteenth Grand Opening/Blessing

• What: The Food Studio will host a groundbreaking and blessing event at Pittsburgh Yards. The day will include speakers, storytellers, cultural artists and the opportunity to learn about plant-based foods.
• When: 4 p.m. June 19
• Or: Nia Building, 352 University Ave. SW, Atlanta
• The price of the ticket: Free
• More information

Sandy Springs Seventeenth Anniversary Celebration

• What: Free, family-friendly event featuring a performing arts production, STEAM digital art gallery, educational activities, food vendors and more.
• When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 19
• Or: City Green, 1 Galambos Road, Sandy Springs
• The price of the ticket: Free
• More information

Juneteenth Celebration in South Fulton

• What: There will be music, food trucks and an activity area for children. This year’s theme is Community, Culture and Commemoration. DJ Mike Webster, originally from Atlanta, will provide the music. There will also be live performances. The evening will end with fireworks.
• When: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. June 15
• Or: Wolf Creek Amphitheater, 3025 Merk Road SW, Atlanta
• The price of the ticket: Free
• More information

Tucker’s Eighteenth Birthday Jubilee

• What: The 3rd Annual Juneteenth Jubilee will feature a parade, live musical performances, amazing stunts, beautiful classic cars, a children’s area, vendors, food and drinks, and much more. Tucker native BigMamaFee will host the celebration.
• When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 15
• Or: Green space on Church Street
• The price of the ticket: Free
• More information

Trilith Town Juneteenth Celebration

• What: The event will feature live performances from Grammy-nominated soul singer and Gulf War veteran Anthony David, as well as food trucks, children’s activities, games and giveaways.
• When: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 15
• Or: Downtown, 240 Trilith Parkway, Fayetteville
• More information

Celebrating Fairburn’s Eighteenth Anniversary

• What: Juneteenth Musical Celebration on Third Friday with P-Funk Connection, PR Experience, Demola, Shirley Jones, Jamison Ross, The Mary Jane Girls and others.
• When: 6 p.m. June 21
• Or: Downtown Fairburn, 320 NW Broad St., Fairburn
• The price of the ticket: Free
• More information

To eat

THE Pullman Yards Chefs Market celebrates Juneteenth by showcasing Black-owned businesses the weekend of June 15-16. Vendors include Garden Queen, Jackie’s Funnel Cakes, Joyful Jarra, Xzotik Fusion and many more. The market takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 15 and 16.

Marcus Bar & Grill on Edgewood Avenue SE is celebrating Juneteenth with a festive jubilee menu featuring dishes like special peach barbecue chicken with buttered whipped potatoes and hot honey okra for $18.65 (the year of the first June 10); Chicken and Red Velvet waffles + à la carte Red Velvet waffles; a Hibiscus Martini with Bayab African Gin; and for dessert – Red velvet pound cake with smoked cherry compote. The special menu will be offered from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. from June 18 to 20.

Greenery Cuisine & Cocktails in Midtown Atlanta is celebrating Juneteenth with a special happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on June 19th. Guests will enjoy half-price martinis, including lychee, lavender berry, lemon drop and African blend espresso (photo below courtesy of Madelynne Grace). For $19, guests can also enjoy a classic martini with three fresh oysters (photo below courtesy of Madelynne Grace).

If you would like to submit an event for this list, email [email protected].